The report discusses ongoing trends in diagnostic laboratory robotic
systems. A shrinking field of qualified laboratory personnel, and
increasing diagnostic test demand driven by an aging population and the
development of novel tests, have fueled the necessity for increased
adoption and use of automation, including robots. Laboratory management
must have a clear vision of how to best move their clinical laboratory's
capabilities into the future with automation.

Challenges to robotic and automation vendors are also discussed in this
market review, including miniaturization, modular automation and
robotics, scalability, and demands from users. Robotics and automation
are, in part, being dictated by the need for smaller, more-flexible
analyzers and next-generation technology including microfluidics; lab
management software; and web-based real-time services. Many robotics and
automation system manufacturers address the trend toward modular
automation, including task-targeted automation and robotics. Automation
solutions are meant to be scalable and flexible to meet the demands of
any size laboratory. Users need robotic vendors that offer systems that
can be integrated. They need systems with standardized file formats and
interconnect systems that enable one manufacturer's software or hardware
to communicate with another's.

Market forecasts covering the laboratory robotics segments are based on
an examination of current market conditions and on investigations into
the development of new products by key companies.

The report's market data provide multiple year forecasts for different
product segments and market forecasts focus on segments where robotics
plays an important role, including the following world market segments: